Connecting Vista with XP with Cable

[mikem10027]

Hi,
I am sure this is already answered but i used the search and couldnt find it.
Is there any way to connect XP laptop with Vista laptop directly using Cat5 network cable.
I dont want to share the internet.
I simply want to share printer and some files.
I use broadband acces to go online with vista.
And wireless home internet with xp.
Thank you.
Mike

 

[JohnWill]

Configure the machines as follows.

PC #1:
IP address: 192.168.9.1
Subnet Address: 255.255.255.0

PC #2:
IP address: 192.168.9.2
Subnet Address: 255.255.255.0

Leave the Default Gateway and DNS Server addresses blank.

Make sure any firewalls are configured to put the 192.168.9.x subnet in the trusted zone.

Finally, you'll have to enable fine/print sharing on the machines and actually share one or more folders or drives.

Here's a page that describes the process in detail: http://www.howtodothings.com/computers-internet/how-to-connect-2-pcs-directly

 

[TerryNet]

You're not accessing the internet through the same router with both PCs?

 

[mikem10027]

Hi JohnWill,
I tried to use the link but it didnt work.
when i go to network connections my LAN is not connected in both computers.
it says network cable unplugged.
even though computers are connected.
I did all th IP configrations
i have work group and computers name
but it still is not working

And nope i dont use same router to connect to internet.
my vista computer has broadband internet access from another internet provider for my work.

thanks,
m

 

[DoubleHelix]

I would strongly caution against making any changes to network settings. You could easily find yourself locked out of the company network, or worse, completely locked out of the computer.

 

[TerryNet]

What kind of cable are you using? If neither port is auto-sensing you need a cross-over cable.

Do the ethernet LEDs light on the laptops when the cable is inserted?

 

[mikem10027]

Hi TerryNet,
I am using Blue network cable.
The one i use to connect my laptop with router.
There is no light when i connect computers together.
Do i need a special cable?
Thank you,
M

 

[Courtneyc]

Wrong cable. You need a cross-over cable in order to connect the computers directly.

Courtney